The shock of the tragic death of Jenni Rivera has left her fans and celebrity friends numb, speechless as they try to find the right words that might comfort the Rivera family. But there are no such words… but we are hopeful that in time, Jenni’s children, parents, siblings will read everything that has been written about her and bring them solace and comfort.
Chiquis, Jenni and Raq-C
Realilty Star and Radio DJ, RaqC: “One thing I will always remember about Jenni is that she reminded me of me a lot. Her ability to communicate and relate to her audience was the most admirable part about her. I believe Jenni came to this world to show us all that “being yourself” was the only way to be. The last time I saw her was at her daughter Jacqui’s bachelorette party and she looked amazing! She was the epitome of a hardworking woman that when she had a goal she got there no matter what.
I remember our last email conversation so clearly I was able to say, “Thank you Jenni for the opportunity of allowing me to work with you and your amazing family.” She told me she was thankful that I was grateful for the opportunity. That made me smile!
About Raq-C: http://la963fm.com/dj-raq-c.php
Rivera had a burning desire to pursue acting with the same passion she did singing and performing. Last January, Rivera attended the Sundance Film Festival to promote what would be her first and last film, the independent drama Filly Brown. Rivera plays the incarcerated mother of an aspiring rapper who is trying to maintain a relationship with her daughter from behind bars.
From the Directors, Producers, Cast and Crew of Filly Brown:
“We are shocked and devastated by the tragic loss of our friend and colleague Jenni Rivera. She was a uniquely talented woman and an inspiration to millions, especially those of us who were lucky enough to work with her. Though she’ll be remembered as an iconic singer, she was also a powerful actress whose full range of talents the world was just beginning to discover. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her children and family.”
Edward James Olmos said, “The world lost an extraordinary talent in the realm of Judy Garland, Barbara Streisand, and Frank Sinatra, who took their singing artistry and became dramatic artists in film and television. Jenni Rivera was destined to surpass any artist that we have ever seen coming from the Mexican American culture. She was just starting. My love to her family, especially her children and her mother and father.”
Youssef Delara, one of the directors said “Rivera’s part wasn’t big and didn’t think the Latina star would want to do it.”
“It was a lot to ask of a woman of her caliber,” Delara said explaining that Rivera spent a month rehearsing with costars and an acting coach before production began. “We knew she had a lot of life experience in her. That’s what we worked on.”
Delara said, Rivera was a warm presence on the set. Because the film had such a low budget, cast members were only paid a nominal fee of a few thousand dollars. The performer asked Delara to give her salary to an older man who was working as a still photographer on the production who she thought could use the money. “She came to me and said, ‘I don’t want anyone to know. Just give him what you would have given me,'” the filmmaker explained.
Gina Rodriguez, the actress who played the title role, recalled a similar experience during the shoot.
“On set, she found out the second assistant director’s mom loved her and then brought her a signed picture, perfume and CD,” Rodriguez recalled. “She empowered all and still will.”
The film’s other director, Michael Olmos, said, “She was so honest and open with her life. There was never a wall between her in a professional level and her in a personal level. All her scars were just there, and people can relate to that.”
When Filly Brown opens next April, one major star will not walk down the red carpet but instead shine down on her colleagues wishing them success.
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